Full Notification

The Ashland Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of pedestrians and motorists. APD has conducted recent enforcement efforts at many of our most used crosswalks to enhance roadway safety.
 
All residents are reminded that Virginia state code requires motorists to yield for pedestrians that are in crosswalks. In addition, the code requires that pedestrians show due regard for approaching traffic before entering or crossing the road.
 
Here are some safety tips for pedestrians and motorists from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration:
 
8 Safety Tips for Drivers
 
• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
• Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
 
8 Walking Safety Tips
 
• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
• Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation - get up, get out and get moving.
 
For more pedestrian safety tips from the National Safety Council, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWykhP5JZ0E